by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

A special task force created after Hurricane Sandy recommends that new construction be built to withstand the force of increasingly dangerous storms, a deadly consequence of climate change.

The Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force also urged hardening of existing infrastructure to ward off power failures and fuel shortages, and to maintain cellular service during future disasters.

The task force emphasized the impact of climate change on the intensity of hurricanes and other storms, and said that has to be taken into account with future building and rebuilding.

"More than ever, it is critical that when we build for the future, we do so in a way that makes communities more resilient to emerging challenges such as rising sea levels, extreme heat, and more frequent and intense storms," the report said.

Elected officials and private organizations welcomed the report, which laid out a series of guidelines for spending the bulk of the $50.5 billion Sandy aid package that Congress approved in January. A little more than $9 billion of that money has been spent.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, who chaired the task force, said its "rebuilding strategy" will help the New Jersey and New York areas rebuild in a way to help withstand future storms and will "serve as models for communities across the country."

President Obama said some of the report's 69 policy recommendations have already been adopted, especially on cleaning up the New Jersey and New York shores after the superstorm struck in late October, and helping rebuild homes and businesses.

"We have cut red tape, piloted cutting-edge programs and strengthened our partnership with state and local officials," said Obama, who created the task force in December. "While a great amount of work remains, we will stand with the region for as long as it takes to recover."

Officials with Enterprise Community Partners, an affordable housing organization, applauded the inclusion of low-income housing as part of what they called a comprehensive and integrated plan.

"The administration has shown a proven commitment to a complete recovery for Hurricane Sandy," said Diane Yentel, the organization's senior director of public policy and government affairs.

The task force report also calls for more - and more streamlined - assistance for home and business owners who are wiped out by storms.

The administration produced statements of support from elected officials across New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said the task force work "will help get disaster relief into the hands of those who desperately need it, and lays the foundation for building a smarter and stronger city and nation."

The Department of Housing and Urban Development said its goals include better alignment of federal funding with local rebuilding plans, and cutting red tape when it comes to delivering assistance to families, businesses and local governments.

Albert Cho, vice president for strategy and business development for the water company Xylem, said the report also addresses an under-appreciated storm threat: water itself.

Cho, whose company used large-scale industrial pumps to move water out of major flooded areas during Sandy, cited the report's call for more use of innovation and data sharing - including greater sensor technology - to anticipate high levels of water after a storm.

The report also stressed the need for cooperation among federal, state and local governments, and for the private sector to develop smart response systems that can save lives, Cho said.